Shadow Mountain Explodes onto the Golf Scene with 19 Times the Awe
The Kootenay Golf Crown just got a new jewel, and it is breathtaking. July 1st marked the opening of Shadow Mountain Golf and response from the golfers back at the club house has been all smiles.
In fact the comments have been almost unanimous – this is the best course in the area.
“9 out of ten golfers come back to the club house and indicate that it’s the best course that they have played, whether it is international or local. It’s really a positive response to where the course is at, because we allowed it that extra time to grow.” said Shadow Mountain’s Fred Mehl.
It is this maturity that takes everyone by surprise. People cannot believe that this is brand new course.
Early in the development of Shadow Mountain, Golf Course architect Wayne Carleton was asked which was the signature hole. Mr. Carleton indicated that there was no single hole that stood apart, and that they were all signature holes.
Indeed, Wayne has been proven correct. All the holes are both challenging, beautiful, and mature.
That being said, there are two elevated Tee Shots that the surpass the word ‘dramatic’ 15 and 17. This Par 4, Par 5 respectively will leave you breathless, and desperately wanting to take a mulligan just for the shear joy of crushing the ball.
Hole 15 overlooks the Clubhouse, and the 4 acre manmade lake, while the 17th offers an astonishing view of the river, bridge and majestic Fisher’s Peak. You better have your Wheaties for breakfast, and bring your camera. As a amazing of a hole this is – there are 18 others!
“What we have created is a 19 Hole signature tree-line golf course. Preserving and enhancing the environment is very important. 19 Holes is a bit different.” Wayne Carleton said.
The 19th hole is just another feature that sets Shadow Mountain apart from every other course in the area. This par three sits on the side of a cliff, between the 17th and 18th. How does the 19th work, and why the additional hole? Wayne Carleton explains:
“One thing that we try do to on a lot of our new golf courses is create one more hole in the event that we do a renovation project in the future. Also the reason that we created the 19th hole is to connect the 17th and 18th hole. People might also use the 19th as a betting hole, or just to make up a few shots, or have some fun with it.
Another feature that is not prevalent in the area is Squared off Tee Boxes. This is something that more established golf courses in the US have. This is more of a traditional design.
This one of the longest courses in BC, be sure to allow four and half hours to enjoy this course. If you are looking to book a golfing get away, click here for the best rates.
Want to live the dream? Talk to Irene about living at Shadow Mountain, 250-432-9200.
Opening Date for Shadow Mountain Golf Course – July 1, 2009
It is one of the most anticipated moments in the Southern BC’s coveted golf scene – the opening of Shadow Mountain Golf Course. The Cooke-Carleton designed course is sure to become the jewel, in what is quickly becoming the Canadian Golf Mecca. The first tee time is scheduled for Wednesday July 1.
With amazing views of the Rocky Mountains and Fisher Peak, combined with a great course layout make Shadow Mountain the “Must Play” course for 2009. Multiple sets of tees ensure a great round for all levels of players.
This 19 hole course, has two distinct terrain types, one side is has radical elevation changes, which makes for breath taking views, and dramatic play. While the other side of the course has open rolling hills, with the mountains and St. Marys River as a back drop.
Head pro Rob Anderson recently won the 2008 Teacher of the Year Award by the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association. Rob has received 4 PGA of BC Awards (2008 Teacher of the Year, 2007 Head Professional of the Year, 2006 Golf Shop of the Year, and again Teacher of the Year 2003). Additionally, Rob has received club fitting awards 2001 & 2003 from PING.
Explore this course in photos here.
Hockey High to Rocky Mountain Dream
Life was good or so she thought. A good marriage, the kids were grown and doing well. She had an exciting job promoting women’s and girls hockey in Ontario.
There were the persistent "Move west for a great life in the Rocky Mountains" sales pitches from her sister including numerous invitations to her new hometown of Cranbrook, British Columbia.
The births of a nephew and niece also meant frequent trips to the beautiful East Kootenay corner of BC. With each visit it became more difficult to leave the peacefulness and fresh mountain air to return to the traffic jams and chaotic life in southern Ontario.
Then one September evening in 2007, when chatting on-line, her sister excitedly typed that she found a website for the new Shadow Mountain golf course development.
Well that was it. A month and two trips west later, the decision was made to invest towards retirement in the amazing Rocky Mountain playground.
Next question, how could Melanie McFarlane and her husband Rick make the dream happen sooner than later? Could Melanie leave the women’s hockey world where she had spent the last 18 years involved in local, provincial, national and international events; her efforts culminating in being honoured as the 2003 Woman of the Year for Health and Fitness for the City of Hamilton.
Then in 2006, Melanie received national recognition when Hockey Canada presented the left-winger turned goaltender with the Isobel Gathorne Hardy Award. The prestigious "Player of the Year" award is attributed to an active player, at any level of the game, whose values, leadership and personal traits are representative of all female athletes. The award recognizes a player that has demonstrated strong community involvement and dedication to the game of hockey.
Could the lure of a life in south-eastern BC be greater than her hockey life? The answer was YES!
Melanie and Rick were excited at the prospect of joining the friendly and fast growing Cranbrook community, with Shadow Mountain offering a very special place to ultimately put down retirement roots.
Making the mid-life move, Melanie looked for a business idea which also offered an opportunity to get to know local folks. Who better to ask then someone who has a finger on the Kootenay pulse.
Over a coffee, Shadow Mountain Sales Consultant Irene Barnes and Melanie talked about the exciting future for Cranbrook, the Kootenays and Shadow Mountain.
The new Rocky Mountain International Airport was a key ingredient in the future growth of the region. It provided international access to the local recreational lifestyle communities. With Delta Airlines offering a link to their western hub Salt Lake City, the world was finally discovering BC’s best kept secret.
Irene mentioned the need for someone to help the future recreational homeowners keep care of their homes while vacant. What a great idea! The wheels began turning and the company name happened before the end of the day.
Thinking about the bear shadow on Shadow Mountain a perfect name would be The Bear Necessities Home Watch Service. Melanie could offer home checks, snow removal, lawn mowing, house cleaning, stock fridges, greet deliveries, airport shuttles and much more.
One goal would be to offer the recreational home owner a chance to spend more of their precious time on recreation and less time in the grocery store or cleaning. The company’s services would also be provided to permanent Cranbrook and area residents going away on vacation.
The transition west has started. Melanie has made the move and The Bear Necessities Home Watch Service is up and running. Rick currently remains in Ontario and is looking forward to joining Melanie soon in their new western adventure.
Melanie has certainly found a niche market as young families, baby-boomers and retirees all discover this recreation paradise. Not wanting to forget about her love of hockey, Melanie packed her goalie gear and was lucky enough to find that the new Cranbrook Women’s Rec Hockey League needed a netminder. Playing hockey in the Rockies, living in the beautiful City of Cranbrook…..dreams do come true!
Now it is Rick and Melanie’s turn to make the persistent "Move west for a great life in the Rocky Mountains" sales pitch to Ontario family and friends!
CPGA Names Teacher of the Year – Shadow Mountain’s Rob Anderson
Although winter has laid a thick blanket of snow on the gold course at Shadow Mountain, steady progress is still be made toward the inevitable goal making this one of the best golf courses in the country.
As luck would have it, the newest member of the Shadow Mountain family Rob Anderson has been selected to receive the 2008 Teacher of the Year Award by the Canadian Professional Golfers’ Association. This is one of four national awards presented by the CPGA for exceptional and dedicated service as Canadian golf professionals.
Rob’s new role at Shadow Mountain is General Manager/Director of Golf. Rob joined the CPGA in the fall of 1993 in the Tournament Players Division and competed on the Canadian Tour from 1994 to 1997.
As a player, Anderson is a past winner of the BC Club Professional Championship and has regularly been a strong contender in the CPGA Club Pro final.
Rob started at The Harvest Golf Club Kelowna in the Spring of 1998 where he became the Golf Shop Manager in 2001 followed by Head Professional in 2003.
In the last couple of years, Rob has received 4 PGA of BC Awards (2008 Teacher of the Year, 2007 Head Professional of the Year, 2006 Golf Shop of the Year, and again Teacher of the Year 2003). Additionally, Rob has received club fitting awards 2001 & 2003 from PING.
“Our 2008 National award winners are symbols of the passion and dedication to excellence that Canadian PGA Members bring to their profession in making the game of golf better for Canadian golfers,” said Lindon Garron, President of the Canadian PGA. “This year’s winners have set standards of excellence that all Canadian golf professionals can aim to achieve. On behalf of the Canadian PGA, the Zones, and the membership, I congratulate them all for receiving this recognition.”
Each year, a National Selection committee evaluates nominations from more than 3,500 Canadian PGA Members coast-to-coast and recognizes winners in each of the four categories with the winners receiving their award at the 2009 Club Professional Championship in November.
As the Head Professional at Cranbrook’s new Shadow Mountain Golf Course Rob Anderson is one of the PGA of BC’s most accomplished and decorated members. This past October, while still with the Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna, he was named PGA of BC Teacher of the Year for 2008. He was awarded the same honour in 2003 during his early tenure with the Harvest. In 2007 he was selected BC’s Head Professional of the Year and in 2006, Rob and his Harvest staff were chosen as the BC Golf Shop of the Year.
“Rob is a credit to our association and the national body,” said PGA of BC Executive Director Brian Butters. “I’m sure he’ll also be a credit and an outstanding asset for the owners and members of the Shadow Golf Club.”
For more information about Shadow Mountain call Irene Barnes at 250-432-9200.
With files from the Canadian PGA
Shadow Mountain Construction On Schedule
Construction of the massive 600 lot development located on the St. Marys River, just outside Cranbrook is right on track.
Future residents will enjoy incredible mountain living centered around a 19 hole championship golf course, surrounded by the picturesque Rocky Mountains.
Shadow Mountain Director Fred Mehl, and Golf Course Architect Wayne Carleton are very pleased with the progress being made. Last year, the course was cut and contoured.
This year, the massive 6 acre manmade lake was completed, and the irrigation has been installed throughout the course.
Sand capping has been completed on the West side of the development (Residential Area).
West side cart paths have been completed, with work beginning on the east side, this should be completed within the next two weeks.
The seeding should start by June 8th! To achieve this goal, both water and power have to be in place. Once these utilities are set up, the irrigation system will be flushed.
Should everything fall in place, the 2nd hole which runs along highway 95a should be green by the end of June!
With Mother Nature’s cooperation, and everything goes well with the seeding program, it should be possible to play soft rounds of golf, mid September to the end of October! This is entirely dependent on weather, and it is not certain whether there will be 9 or 18 holes available for play.
In terms of housing starts, there are 6 or 7 builders set to begin construction on homes at the end of June.
For more information on Shadow Mountain, call Irene Barnes at 250-432-9200.
Shadow Mountain Featured on Global News – Calgary
CRANBROOK BC – Global News journalist Grant Pollock explores area which has not seen this kind of growth in a century. The Kootenay Rockies are booming, with new housing projects, new hotels and plenty of golf courses.
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Within the news piece Bob Keating of Kootenay Rockies Tourism is interviewed overlooking the Shadow Mountain Development. “People are coming here to visit, and they are also coming here to live, because the pace of life is getting hectic. So they are looking for a place where life is a little more laid back, where it is beautiful, where there is recreation to spare. They are looking in their backyard – places like the Kootenay Rockies.”
“I think you are talking about a remaking of the region.” Bill Bennett, MLA East Kootenay.
Grant Pollack says that “The real key to the tourism boom aside from the Albertan economy is a new international airport.”
Alberta’s booming economy is certainly a factor in this booming economy, but it is the new Canadian Rockies International Airport that will sustain growth well into the future.
According to Philip Elchitz, Managing Director of the new airport, “We are positioning ourselves to accept flights from not only domestic long haul from Toronto, but from the US, Chicago and further east. In addition we have developed the runway in a configuration that can accept European traffic nonstop direct.”
With everything the area has to offer, it is no wonder why the Kootenay Rockies are in the spotlight.
Shadow Mountain Sells 190 Lots in one Weekend
CRANBROOK BC – The massive real estate development, which will be situated around a 19 hole golf course, sold 190 lots on their opening weekend of sales.
“It was the first day that we could actually sell, and on Saturday we sold about 120 lots by the end of the day. By the end of the weekend there was about 190 lots sold.” Developer Fred Mehl said, “It was a nice variety from high end lots – the highest lot was $719,000 and lot of the lower end lots $119,000 – $129,000.”
Shadow Mountain Lifestyle Community, located along side the St. Mary’s River, just minutes from the Canadian Rockies International Airport features stunning views of the both the Rocky and Purcell Mountains. The development is build around a 19 hole golf course that will be one of the largest in BC.
The sales team Irene and Wayne Barnes are thrilled with sales launch, “This is just such an amazing opportunity, we have been overwhelmed with positive feedback from all our clients. We put this product forward not as sales representatives, but as future neighbors in this new community, as we purchased here too. If the views, the location and the golf course were not enough, it is this strong sense of community which put this development well above the rest.”
These sales figures represents about one third of the approximate 600 lots that will constitute the Shadow Mountain Development.
Fred Mehl spoke of the process of getting ready for the sale: “We needed the final approvals from the City and the Province and we were going through that process, and all of that has fallen into place. Now we are in the position to sell for the next couple of years. and hopefully sell this project out.”
Shadow Mountain falls within the city limits of the newly expanded city of Cranbrook, and although it has attracted buys from outside the region some area residents will also call it home.
“A lot of people have looked at the Kelowna or the Victoria marketplace and price differences are certainly there, and I think with the proximity of the airport, made this a pretty special place.” Mehl said.
Shadow Mountain Launch Day Announced
The Shadow Mountain Team are thrilled to announce that the official launch date has been set for Saturday, November 24th!
Building lots situated around a picturesque 19 hole golf course, overlooking a majestic river, with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains will be available for purchase, based on your priority number.
This prioritization of your lot choices is necessary before we call you in order to facilitate the sales process.
On Saturday, November 24th we will begin contacting our priority list registrants like yourself to confirm your lot choice. You should not be away from your phone. When we phone you, we will let you know which of your prioritized lots are available. You will have but minutes to decide if you wish to proceed in purchasing this lot.
As a limited time offer, you will also be able to purchase a Lifetime Membership (for two) to Shadow Mountain Golf Course for a cost of $15,000 to be paid up front along with your initial deposit on your lot. If you would prefer not to pay for the total membership up front, you can pay a $2,000 non-refundable deposit, with the $18,000 balance payable on the Official Opening Day of the golf course.
This is going to be a thrilling beginning to a truly magnificent community that you will be proud to call home.
Shadow Mountain will be one of longest course in BC!
Bear Mountain WAS the longest course in B.C. at 7200 yards but Shadow Mountain Golf course comes in over 7400!
